Setback for Neuralink: Brain chip malfunctions in first human trial

Elon Musk's brain-computer interface company encounters hurdle, but assures swift fix

Elon Musk’s Neuralink, a company at the forefront of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, recently encountered a hurdle in its first human trial. The company’s implanted chip, designed to help paralyzed individuals control technology with their thoughts, malfunctioned in the trial participant, 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh.

Neuralink’s BCI system, called the Link, uses a network of 1,024 electrodes threaded across 64 filaments thinner than a human hair. These threads sit within the brain tissue, recording neural signals that the Link translates into commands. However, a company blog post revealed that some of these threads malfunctioned after retracting from Arbaugh’s brain tissue.

This setback sent shivers down the spines of those following the development of BCI technology. Neuralink, however, offered reassurance. The company swiftly addressed the issue with a series of software updates. These updates focused on improving the Link’s ability to capture neural signals despite the reduced contact with brain tissue. The blog post details how they “modified the recording algorithm to be more sensitive to neural population signals, improved the techniques to translate these signals into cursor movements, and enhanced the user interface.”

These refinements not only fixed the malfunction but, according to Neuralink, even improved Arbaugh’s performance beyond his initial baseline. This silver lining suggests that the BCI can adapt and potentially even benefit from unforeseen challenges.

Despite the initial setback, Neuralink remains optimistic about the future of the Link. The company has plans to expand the chip’s functionality beyond cursor control. Their goal is to allow users to directly control robotic limbs and wheelchairs. This advancement has the potential to significantly improve the independence of people with paralysis.

In earlier updates, Neuralink live-streamed a video featuring Arbaugh using the BCI system. The surgery itself was reported to be a success. While there were some complications with the electrode threads, Arbaugh has been using the system extensively. He reportedly uses the Link for around eight hours a day during weekdays, and even more on weekends. Notably, he logged a total of 69 hours in a single week, highlighting his active use of the technology.

Arbaugh himself is enthusiastic about the Link. He described it as a “luxury overload” that has reconnected him with the world.